Actress Pauline McLynn, who played Father Ted’s loveable housekeeper in the hit comedy series, was drafted in by the Revenue in July 2001 to replace cartoon character Hector, its figurehead since self-assessment was introduced in 1996. But her tenure was only temporary.

A Revenue spokeswoman, said Mrs Doyle could put her feet up as she had completed her promotional stint with the agency as of 1 February.

It is believed the Revenue has ‘several’ options, with one possible replacement being no replacement at all, merely a one-line catchphrase. This is thought to be ‘unlikely’.

The Revenue said: ‘We are carrying out an evaluation to decide our future advertising campaigns, but we do not expect anything before June.’

The Revenue is expected to unveil its corporate branding to be used on staff uniforms and business cards in September. It has also confirmed that the Inland Revenue brand name will be retained, despite a review to explore other options.